Story by Brock Ormond
Photo: OJHL Images
Jacob Vreugdenhil’s goal with 5:37 left in the third period was the difference in giving the Wellington Dukes a massive rebound victory on Sunday night.
Two nights after losing round 1 of the Battle of Quinte versus the Trenton Golden Hawks, the Dukes waltzed into Milton and handed the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s top team the Menace their first regulation loss in 15 games to begin the season, 3-2.
The catalyst to Wellington’s victory was a fast start, buoyed by Edward Moskowitz’s ninth goal of the year just 27 seconds into the game.
The Toronto native walked into the Menace end and beat Milton goalie Will Goumas top shelf from Corbin Roach and Erik MacNeil.
That lead held up until the 2:53 mark of the second period, when Aidan Hughes finished off a quick passing play on a man advantage to help Milton even the score.
Julien Jacob was teed up for Wellington’s second goal by Connor Hunt and David Campbell, one-timing a drop pass over Goumas’ glove at 10:42 to put the team back in the lead.
A quick answer on another powerplay from Lucas Buzziol tied the game at two and made the third period a tossup.
Ethan Morrow made some of his best stops out of the 36 in the game in the final frame, setting up Vreugdenhil’s 8th of the year at 14:23.
Jared Langdon and David Campbell assisted on the eventual game-winner.
The gratifying win was Wellington’s 7th of the year and their first in three games.
The Dukes continue their road swing with games in Lindsay and Toronto versus the Patriots next weekend. Friday’s game versus the Muskies is at 7 p.m.
